From Flu Wiki 2

Forum: Good News

06 October 2006

Poppy – at 20:20

Have any good news to share?

Okay I know this is just a bit off topic but I think we all need it right now. There has been a lot of really bad news on TV and in our world recently that has nothing to do with pandemic flu. Added to that on the Halloween thread several people seem to have acknowledged that there is too much gloom and doom on the forum. So forgive me mods if I ask everyone to think about their lives and share some happy news. Call it a mental health break. What happened today, this week, this month in your life that made you happy, that is good news worth sharing with others. It need not be anything major after all life is made up of lots of little moments that can be very special. New babies, weddings, promotions, good grades, kittens, surprise gifts…all can make an ordinary day seem special.

I will start. I got my paycheck today. It was more than I expected (yippee). Okay, a paycheck does not seem like such a big deal, lots of people get them every week but until a couple of months ago I had been a stay at home mom for over 20 years so paychecks with my name on them still seem great. Even more so considering my husband lost his job in May and is still unemployed. Paychecks with my name on them mean I can pay the bills. More good news…My husband had a job interview yesterday. Also…I made more money this week than I have in any single week since I started working.

cactus – at 20:23
  Good for you,Poppy. Feels great,doesn`t it?

  My happy news is that next weekend I`m heading over to NM. It`s Balloon Fiesta time, and I haven`t been for a few years.


  Thinking that this could be one of the last time I will voluntarily mingle in crowds for a long time.
Texas Rose – at 20:28

Okay, it’s not “good news” but it should be entertaining, if you have an active imagination: Last night, it took three of us to shove pills down one very unhappy cat’s throat.

Bloodloss was minimal.

Poppy – at 20:30

Oh wow! Wish I was going with you! I have seen pics of the Balloon Fiests.

Yeah the paychecks feel real good.

cactus – at 20:35
  LOL, Texas Rose.

 I would imagine that most of us who are owned by a cat have gone through the same experience.

 Remember, you know they love you when they allow us to lie underneath them while they sleep.
MnEagleat 20:44

Got to enjoy a beautiful fall day here in northern Minnesota:) With it being quite windy, the leaves were really swirling all over the place!! The lakes look so blue this time of the year & the air has a snap to it—the harbinger of old man winter around the corner:)High school had its homecoming today & I’m leaving shortly to bring my son to the dance…wish I was going to a dance:) Instead, I’ll be watching some old Gilligan Island tapes…I can at least pretend to be a kid again…the good old days:)

Texas Rose – at 20:47

It probably wouldn’t have been so difficult if it hadn’t been multiple pills AND he’d already made a vet visit where he’d received his yearly shots.

He was a pissed-off pussycat from the get-go. I’m seriously on his litter list.

It isn’t the first time, it won’t be the last.<grin>

Average Concerned Mom – at 20:48

My mother in law is in town for a week! (And yes that is good news — she’s a big help!) (-:

gardner – at 20:57

Here’s some helpful real-life instructions on how to give your cat a pill. Hilarious.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 21:18

MnEagle – at 20:44 I’ll be watching some old Gilligan Island tapes…I can at least pretend to be a kid again…the good old days:)

I have every episode on tape — LOVED that show!

Texas Rose – at 20:28 I know that feeling all too well :-)

Olymom – at 21:41

How to give your cat a pill is TOO funny. My good news is that I convinced our uber active teen that five nights of activities was a lot and that he should really stay home Saturday night. Now if I can just convince him to get started on that college application (hmm, pause to re-read pilling a cat — may work on teen . . .)

Malachi – at 22:40

I canned 15 half gallons of grape juice today…That made me feel great.

But my real joy lately is my twin sisters new baby boy Rodney Scott.He is so sweet and cute and happy and kissable.Geez I never thouhgt I would want to babysit so much in my life.

Lorelle – at 22:49

I’m going to spend 3 weeks with grandkids on the left side of the US. I really hope my timing is ok. And it may be the last big trip I take in a while too. But I’m really excited to be able to go.

gharris – at 22:51

if it had been 15 half gallons of FERMENTED grape juice - it would have made ME feel great!!! ;-))

gharris – at 22:53

I made a pumpkin cheesecake today - with a chopped skor bar crumbled on top and under the broiler for a minute to melt!! Yummy - I cant wait - Canadian Thanksgiving on Monday - good thing no HP H5N1 in Canada yet - so the turkey is on the menu!!! That makes me happy!!!

NoFluingAroundat 22:56

I get to see my baby brother after almost 20 years. He will be coming from Australia to the States this November. He is the only one I have not seen since I left home, Oh so long ago, for a handsome southern boy with blue eyes :0)

Malachi – at 22:56

gharris…We start the fermented grape juice tomorrow ;-)

I’ll tell you how it is next year…..

gharris – at 22:59

malachi @22.56 I’ll be waiting to hear!!!!

Np1 – at 23:14

We get to finish canning pears and tomatoes this weekend.Been at it every weekend since early Sept. Canned up 33 gallons of apple juice last weekend. Love having lots of food around, get real tired of preserving it. Kelly

Posie – at 23:17

fall in New England is fabulous! and we’re having one of the best, so far! just gorgeous and about to go full boom! i’m enjoying the foliage and fall harvest, am looking forward to my birthday and trick-or-treating and carving our pumpkin with mu daughter.

i can’t believe how big she’s getting! people stop me places and say, “she’s *gorgeous*.” and she is, and absolutely brilliant and gifted. an ongoing light.

i’m also excited to be doing an evaluation on a risk communication PH training seminar taking place in November. i have to do this for a class, but am stoked to be able to attend and assess.

i also may be offering a pandemic awareness presentation at a community college not far from here. i may also utilize this same presenation for the final project of an EnviroHlth course this semester, pending approval. two birds, you know ; )

i’m excited all ducks are in line for the moment, tho its the beautiful fall sunshine, harvest and foliage that just really has me intoxicated!

thanks so much for all of you existing! it’s amazing how just this simple understanding of a potential threat seems to create so much understanding between so many.

07 October 2006

LauraBat 07:59

It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend here in CT. The kids have a long weekend, so we’ll go apple picking, to the corn maze, local dairy farm for ice cream, hiking. My son’s baseball team is getting a cameo extra bit in a big movie they’re filming here today. Living life - ain’t it grand!

Oh yea - saw Eric Clapton last night with Robert Cray. Rock on!

Blue Ridge Mountain Mom – at 08:55

Loving the crispness in the air. We are just about to harvest beans and peas from the winter garden. We are overloaded on turnip greens and mustard greens. I have been a canning fool all week because my local grocery store had a sale on stew beef and on chicken!! I LOVE cooking in the fall!!

One of my friends is moving farther north to Ohio here pretty soon. Her husband got a better paying job up there. I fixed a ‘Christmas’ basket for her filled with canned meals and home made bread, so she doesn’t have to cook while packing.

Prep food costs: $15 Time Involved: a couple of hours The relief on her face when she realized that she doesn’t have to work, pack take care of the kids and cook, too: ABSOLUTELY priceless!

uk bird – at 09:03

It’s my Daddy’s birthday today and Mum and I got him a Medinose (a device to help with his hayfever). He stuck the two light probes up his nose and turned it on. Hee, hee, he looked just like Rudolf. Even if it doesn’t work it’s given my Mum and me a great laugh. Now, if only I can get it to play Jingle Bells…

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 13:23

uk bird – at 09:03 that IS funny!!! Hope it works!

Blue – at 13:59
 Found out that the Atkins diet is plausible.

 Am trying now.
seacoast – at 14:00

My kids are home for the weekend!

 I just received Monotreme’s recommendation from Amazon (Deep Survival) and I also ordered ‘The Survivor Personality’ by Al Siebert, PH.D. ~ Why some people are stronger, smarter and more skillful at handling life’s difficulties…and how you can be, too.  “I was thinking of writing a book entitled ‘A Traveler’s Guide to Life.’  Al Siebert has done it for me…Read it! I loved it.” ~Bernie Siegel, M.D.

Bernie Siegel is big in my neck of the woods, so based on his recommendation, I bought this book. Reading through it, it looks like I may learn something.

My daughter is reading a wonderful book to us out loud and that is a treat…we use to spend a lot of time reading to each other when they were young.

Life is wonderful and I am trying to enjoy every day of it.

Love Texas – at 14:07

Just returned from vacation in NC—the weather was great and it was so good to see family again. No TV and no newspaper for a week, that was great I didn’t worry about a thing. It really pays to get away if you can.

seacoast – at 14:10

Oh, and I have just made a major decision…finally, and I am going to stick to it! I am going to cut my hours at school to .5 and I am going to spend 1 day a week on Pandemic Awareness in the community and another day exploring and nurturing my creative right brain.

Minnesota_scientist – at 14:14

My daughter had a sleepover last night. This morning all 6 of them made breakfast, and CLEANED UP THE HOUSE! It’s spotless.

AzNewBeat 14:18
 I found out my DS is returning to the states from Japan in dec. Which is a big relief. Just refusing to think about the why part of it. :) And my first canning atempt turned out great.Onwards and upwards now…lol
diana – at 15:24

Had a small cash windfall, and am spending it at the local fairgrounds. So far new sheer curtains for the panels by the front door.(now I have to wash the window that let light into the front hallway.) Got a hugh pulled batik black artists shirt for painting. Beautiful new nesting boxes to store my more exoctic teas. Ralph Lauren blue jeans and a few extra sweaters.Spent all of $20 and am too beat to look for more until tomorrow when things go halfies.Ran into a fine artist who does still lifes buying things to group in her gem -like pastels. I have two in my hall of lemons and blue and white porcelin. Another of apples in an applewood frame in my bedroom. Got a lot of compliments on my K-Mart camping hat, my ratty moth eaten pumpkin colored sweater and blue jeans and cowboy boots. Its nice when you aren’t dressed up to gallump around and still have people think you look classy. All women have a bit of vanity. Compliment me, and I’ll pass it on and compliment someone else, so its a chain of smiles. Its a pretty grim grey sky, and it looks like a Grandma Moses picture with scads of brightly clothed people choosing their pumpkins, I think I’ll do a panoramic primitive of it after I shoot a role of film. Tommorrow if the sun shines, a hayride to look for my pumpkin in a farm down my road. Bumpy ride up a hill and wonderful view of the country here abouts. Harvest moon a few days ago, maybe a hayride in the evening if the moon is out. Spooky, cool with hot spiced apple cider., afterwards. Its going to be a good fall. Picking bright leaves that I scatter around the pumpkins on the stairs. Also going apple picking.Typical fall doings. Everyones eyes are sparkling and cheeks and noses are pink. Kids are having a great time choosing pumpkins.

diana – at 15:36

Yes and read the thread Compound Prevents Virus Entering Cell. Now that is GOOD. Might not be right around the corner, but they sure are working at it.

crfullmoon – at 20:21

Beautiful autumn foliage in New England, and blue sky.

I visited a friend who has been busy recovering from major surgery, (and got to gift them their first-ever LED flashlight- Whee!).

NauticalManat 21:25

Ooops, diana you took the good news words right out of my mouth! Started that thread about the compound preventing influenza virus from entering the cell after reading the post from bluetide. Isn’t that the greatest news we have seen posted for a long time here on fluwikie. A lot of bad news and now a ray of hope!

And yes, it was another gorgeous New England Fall day, as will be Sunday and Monday at least. Even though our day was filled with mundane errands/doctors appointment etc., just riding around seeing the already beautiful foliage lifted our spirits. Let’s not stop prepping just yet, imagine that even if this compound, a peptide, works in humans and has no serious side effects, it will probably be a year or two before it would be available. Maybe it or something like it will be here before IT! Enjoy each day like it is your last!!

bird-dog – at 22:08

And what an incredibly beautiful Harvest Moon this cool New England night!

MAV in Colorado – at 22:23

OK, so I just got back from the market. As I walk in the doors I see a “BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES” sign. My heart lifts as I approach the rather large displays (about the size of 6 ping pong tables thinking that word IS getting out there! I wish I could post the pictures I took the “prep” display. I kid you not, the ENTIRE spread was nothing but Herseys chocolate!!!!! Tables and tables of stacked boxes of chocolate bars, powders, chips, syrup, light, dark, etc………….. someone please tell me how to post these pictures here.

Dennis in Colorado – at 22:31

MAV: The only way I know to do it is to subscribe to a service like “Photobucket” and put the pics there, then link to them from here.

mj – at 22:46

Mav in Co: A store that has emergency priorities, chocolate first, maybe next week food & water. Can’t wait to see the pics. Your post made me laugh. I could almost see you going in ( and thinking as I would), seeing the sign, the excitement: what preps have they put out - is there a list for folks on how much to buy… and then - Chocolate. I love it.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:52

AzNewBe – at 14:18 congrats on both accounts!

MAV: now THAT’S funny! I would have been floored too!

Timber – at 22:53

Methinks this qualifies:

1. A year ago, a lot of folks took my prepping recommendations as alarmist paranoia.

2. Six months ago, folks started telling me they were starting to stock up and talk to their loved ones.

3. Nowadays I regularly see mid-level bureaucrats in government and corporate America recommending people prep for a month or longer.

   The CFR may not have changed, and I’ve been convinced for several years that this was going to bite us, and bite hard, sometime. Now, however, we’re in better shape to have a significant number of folks come thru.

   The work of FluWikians has made a difference. We ain’t where we should be, but we can take a punch to our collective solar plexus a whole lot better than we could when this effort was started.

   Hats off to the mods and the rest of the folks who invested their reputations and bank accounts to help us all!
I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:55

I mentioned to an old friend in May (when my 22 year old cat died) to do this prepping thing & brought it up again in Sept. (when my 10 year old cat died) and she hadn’t done anything. This time, because we were already talking about death of my cat family the last 2 times we’d gotten together, I told her she’d better do something because he mother was a nurse in the Navy & even though she’s elderly now, she would be busy trying to help somebody who was sick & my friend needed to have some kind of a plan to either figure out how to stop her mom, or how to help her mom!

So I guess my good ‘high’ for this week was when we decided to meet for lunch Monday & I sent her fluwikie links to literature she could put in her office for clients, etc. and she emailed me and said she’d read it and thanked me.

katherine – at 22:57

Took our two year old and four year old to a pumpkin patch. we took a hayride, picked pumpkins-“Mommy this is the biggest pumpkin I never saw!” Ate corn on the cob, kettle corn, and hotdogs. then finished with carmel apples rolled in mini MnM’s. Watched my children peel the carmel off the apples and try to shove huge fist fulls in their mouth. Before we stopped them. And okay I admit it as we were buying the pumpkins I thought these will keep and we can eat them later.

KimTat 22:57

I think my cat; luna is going to have her kittens tonight. She was hiding underneath the couch yowling for awhile, All the other critters were looking worried, yes worried, we have a very close nit family of critters around here. She finally came out and about every 10 minutes or so she jumps on me and has me rub her tummy, when she has enough of that she nuzzles my hand to scratch her head them jumps back down and stares at me until next time. This is gonna be so cool!

NauticalManat 23:01

Have hidden the dark chocolate from DW, but the problem is I know where it is. Been three or four weeks and have not succumbed to the temptation.. For those of you who love it, best I have tasted is Venchi, try World Wide Chocolate in NH. The 75% cocoa is superb, the 85% is beyond description. And as we know, the more the cocoa content, the more effective against the influenza virus! Writer has no connection to Venchi or WWC, but is a very satisfied chocolate addict…

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:06

NauticalMan – at 23:01 And as we know, the more the cocoa content, the more effective against the influenza virus

Now wait a minute….it’s the red wine that’s a flu fighter, the choc can possibly increase the cytokine storm effect in your lungs & kill ya! Right??

KimT – at 22:57 that is soooooo cool! I hope you stay up with her — she might need help it she’s not had kittens before to make certain she doesn’t have a breach birth or smother one anything like that — I had that happen once during the night — so sad! I’m excited for you and Luna!

KimTat 23:12

Yes, I will stay up with her, she has been very needy today. Had to take a petting break. If she does have a breach birth, what do I do?

cottontop – at 23:28

Mav in colorado- at 22:23

Now that’s my kind of prepping! seriously, I have in my stock, lots of comfort food. Now if I could just figure out how to preserve Crispy Cream Doghnuts, I wouldn’t care how long this went on.

Prepping Gal – at 23:34

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and yes I’m thankful for so much.

Gary Near Death Valley – at 23:44

Went garage sailing with the little lady, and found three books that will come in handy. 1) Survival in the Outdoors by Brron Dalrymple,,,,2)The Rodale Guide to Composting 3) Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. Constantly trying to add to my survival library and just all around knowledge needed.

Gary Near Death Valley – at 23:45

Oh forgot this one and this is one of the best. Passport To Survival by Esther Dickey

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:47

If she DOES have a breach birth, you call your vet or you call your emergency animal clinic (it’ll cost a lot but they’re good). Maybe your vet would be willing to meet you at their clinic. I had a cat who had a breach birth — kitten with a little foot stuck out but the rest wasn’t coming — 30 years ago do I don’t remember much except that it was crucial that I get her proper help. Good luck — didnt’ mean to worry you!

08 October 2006

Olymom – at 00:06

seacoast, what is the great book your daughter is reading out loud? All the family is home tonight. Music on, fire lit. An evening to freeze in the mind forever.

bird-dog – at 00:35

KimT — Awww, Good Luck and Great Beginnings to you and Luna tonight! I hope that you and the kit’s have an easy birth-day - as I sit here with a loudly purring old girl kitty in my lap looking up at me. They are magnificent and much to be grateful for. Have fun with those babies!

aurora – at 02:22

Our fun news… we had an encounter with a very large black bear and her cub in our driveway last night.

My husband went out to his car to get things off the back seat. He was surprised when the car’s dark shadow suddenly turned its head and looked at him – not a shadow but a large bear – 400 lbs or so. The cub was pretty big too.

We all got to see them for a short time before they disappeared into the woods. They’re out there, but we don’t see them very often so it was cool.

DebPat 06:26

I had my son’s 17th birthday party. We had the lasagna pizza from Pizza Hut(it was awful). Went to see the movie school for scoundrels- it was pretty good, I didn’t think I would like it. Then they all came back to the house and played video games all night long. It was a good day. I just feel really old now. For myself, as of today I have lost 30 pounds. I have a long way to go, but I am proud of myself.

crfullmoon – at 07:53

MAV in Colorado at 22:23, or, you could get a starter flickr account. (Chocolate for breakfast suddenly sounds good…)

Good job DebP ! Keep goin’! :-)

crfullmoo – at 07:55

Doh! Sorry everyone! - no -I’ll eat dry puffed wheat cereal for breakfast!

What was I thinking? That’s why those anti-drug ads on tv didn’t work very well, right? Gave people bad ideas. Brr! Going to put the kettle on and have a nice cuppa tea, too.

crfullmoon – at 07:57

ha-ha; I can’t even type my name - ok; Where the coffee, instead?

Have a good week, everyone!

janetn – at 10:43

Ive just returned from a wonderful vacation at Myrtle Beach. My daughter, son in law and baby grandson have moved from NC to Indiana which is just a 5 hr drive away.

To top everything off fall is my favorite season and its in full swing here.

KimTat 11:38

No kittys yet, made a box for her with newspapers and put in next to me lastnight in bed, so I could get some sleep when she would let me. guess she is nesting at this point. She woke me up many times in the night to cuddle, another one of my cats an neutered male took over for awhile and I woke up to both of them in the box bathing eachother and hugging. It was so sweet.

Poppy – at 11:41

Wow! I couldn’t get on all day yesterday because I worked all day. Amazing reading all these wonderful posts! You all made me laugh and made me smile. Life is good and we can prep and still savor the wonderful little things that make us happy.

I’m going to enjoy my day off and take the rest of the family to the lake and for a visit to my dad’s boyhood hometown nearby. The weather is still nice and warm during the day here so maybe we can even get in a swim before the weather cools down later this week. Evenings have been cool here and the leaves are just beginning to turn. The autumn light has a golden glow to it. The farm stands are full of yams and pumpkins. I can’t wait for Halloween, this is my favorite time of year. So I think we will just enjoy a peaceful Sunday drive and maybe finish our Halloween decorations.

Thank you all for the wonerful posts. Keep um coming!

diana – at 15:05

Tried a very popular pumpkin patch yesterday, but the cars and the lines in the shop,terrible. Ditto the rummage at the Fairgrounds. Bought a sierra club backpack and a important papers leather back pack and skadoodled. I don’t need anything enough to wait in a line for. Went to the pumpkin fields down the road from me. An Italian couple with an pink cheeked child and his first pumpkin patch. As we reached the top of the hill, the Italian woman and I both spotted the perfect pumkin, hugh, bright orange with the thickest curved stem. I said aloud to her, “Now that is the perfect pumpkin” and she agreed that it was hers, and she had her husband there to wrestle with what possibly weighed 25 pounds. It almost glowed ,as if a spotlight was shining on it, since it stood out from all the others. Gorgeous warm Indian Summer day, and no crowds. Stopped by the apple orchards, but there were miles of cars and people with all their children and their little red wagons, so I doubled back and will pick apples another day. I think its wonderful that so many families do this all together and build up memories for their children.Lots of little ones, and their moms seemed to have some little pumkins under their maternity smocks. People seem to be having their children pretty close together recently.

History Lover – at 17:34

Cactus @ 20:23 - What a coincidence! My 26-year-old son is in Albuquerque as I write this attending a Jazz Workshop (he’s a flutist). He’s had a really hard year, is recovering from an accident that left him in the hospital for six weeks and interrupted his music program at DePaul University. So he goes to this workshop, and the music professional conducting the seminar gives him high praise. Now that is good news for someone who was worried he would never play again. I hope you enjoyed the balloons. My husband and I always wanted to travel to see that.

KimTat 20:53

Kitty being born NOW! One little black kitty out and doing fine!

cactus – at 20:59
  How fun,Kim !  Keep us updated.

09 October 2006

jplanner – at 03:47

how sweet, KimT, like we are there Today I went for a walk around Walden Pond (yes, Thoreux’s pond) which isn’t far from my house. Significant because until this week I haven’t risked walking that far, am recovering from a foot injury. It was a gorgeous day, everyone was smiling enjoying it. I also had a friend recently pay me back a large sum of money I never thought I would see again. More Preps for ME!!

Hope you all (who aren’t working, I am) have a nice Columbus day off!

jplanner – at 03:52

That is you in the US< sorry not to be inclusive initially.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 08:05

KimT – at 20:53 Kitty being born NOW!

How many? What colors? Is mom ok? Tell us all about it!

KimTat 08:23

Total of 4 kitties, the first one at 9 pm, the last 2:45, 3:00 and 3:15

All are black, one is extra long with gray markings, they are so cute. Mommy did a really great job and is doing wonderful. She refused to leave my side the entire night, so she is in a box on my bed and I slept one arm a round the box, and petted her tummy with one eye open. Now I’m off to work in a few minutes.

The day after tomorrow – at 10:42

It was a beautiful weekend here in Northern Minnesota, we actually have great fall color this year. I took some great pictures of my kids, best ones I got all year. I got to see my mom and grandmother that I usually only get to see once a year. I got my computer fixed. I have found a great book. Today there is no pandemic.

MnEagleat 10:46

The day after tomorrow—at 10:42 I live in northern Minnesota, too—do you mind saying what town you live in?

diana – at 12:17

Wow, are apples expensive even at roadside stands. Bought three to try out this years crop 3.45. One Mutsu, one macoun and one russetty golden delish. Definatly will pick my own, a bit cheaper, and I am the fussiest person about an apple. I never buy a full anything. Every peice of fruit I buy has to conform to my standards, and I usually buy one just to taste first before splurging. More than a dollar for each apple (large ones and perfect.)..As students living on zilch looked at food more than eating it, so for me its a big experience even so long afterwards. I browse, I admire, I talk to the people growing the food, I scan the entire bin, the apple has to look right, have a stem, and preferably even a fresh leaf. I often watch people who don’t seem to care, seeming to be in a hurry and just filling a plastic sack. Me, I admire the winding country roads, pull into a spot, photograph the scene if it is picturesque. What takes a busy person a few minutes in a jam packed day, seems like a wasted opportunity for an experience. Just think, todays big deal was buying three apples on a perfect Indian Summer midday. As my wash washes ,I’ll read a good book I picked up at a second hand shop along with a scented candle from Paris, (Rigard) and eat the Matsu for lunch, along with a dollop of cheese, and a glass of sparkling cider.On my way back there will be a mob of people, lines, jam packed parking lot. To each his own experience. I prefer my way.

bird-dog – at 12:27

KimT – at 08:23

That is such ‘good news’!

I wonder if kittens have the equivalence to that sweet smelling ‘puppy breath’?

And by the way, I love the name ‘Luna’ for a cat. So beautiful…

The day after tomorrow – at 12:40

MN Eagle

Near TRF

MnEagleat 12:49

The day after tomorrow:

I’m about 125 miles from you.

The day after tomorrow – at 13:13

MN Eagle Nice to know that you’re out there.

Have you been prepping long?

MnEagleat 13:38

The day after tomorrow:

I’ve got about 3–4 months worth of preps. You?

Science Teacher – at 13:58

Friday I picked apples at an orchard close to my home. Crisp, beautiful sunny day filled with the pungent odor of each apple. They were cold to bite into but dripping with juice. Tried a new variety, “Jon-golds”, really good.

Drove to Rhode Island. Nothing like a scenic New England trip in the fall. Spent 2 days there for my soon to be daughter in-law’s wedding shower. Food was incredible, Mountains of seafood ( shrimp, chunks of lobster, swordfish, scallops, clams and mussels in a savory sauce). I had a wonderful time. One of those days that you spend wreathed in smiles and laughter.

My son gets married in 3 weeks in CA. I feel incredibly happy.

History Lover – at 14:14

Science Teacher - Congratulations on your son’s impending nuptials! New England sounds lovely. I’ve always wanted to be there in the fall.

Cactus - Did you make it to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?

Captain1 – at 15:07

Thanks all for the great comments. We really are a community, aren’t we? It gives me a “warm fuzzy” to know that you all are out there as we go through this pre - pandemic phase. My good news is that I went to visit my sister and brother in law in Va. Beach this weekend (the nor’easter was amazing to see, but no damage at their house, thank goodness) and I think I FINALLY got through to them about prepping.

The bad news on my front is that my three kitties seem to have had some sort of insanity descend on them. All of the sudden, they are going everywhere but their litter boxes. Since this thread seems to have a lot of cat lovers, does anyone have any suggestions? (I have had them checked out by our vet who finds nothing physical wrong!)

cactus – at 15:12
  No, I`m going the 13th. Hopefully the weather will be better then.
 No matter what,I`ll have a good time with DD , and grandbaby.

 And get my fill of good Green Chili. I love Arizona (was raised here), but spent too many years eating NM food to like the mild stuff here.
The day after tomorrow – at 15:19

Mn Eagle

I have only been prepping for a little while, probably two months supplies and fifty + pounds of ground beef. I expect it’ll hit in the winter so if the power goes I’ll have a freezer outside.

Gorgous day today isn’t it.

Science Teacher – at 15:40

History Lover, Thank you. I am glad to hear that your son is playing great music again!

Captain 1, How old are your kitties? Have you switched litterbrands lately? Checked for fleas both on the kitties and in the litter itself?

West – at 16:08

Capt. 1, My cat does this if she’s angry with me for some reason. Have you recently disobeyed one (or more) of your cats’ rules? It may have been unintentional, but ignorance of the law is no excuse.

With my cat, it often seems to be caused by stress. Any serious and prolonged disruption to her normal life runs the risk of causing litter-box protests. Odd that it would happen with three cats at once. There are probably cat-advice sites that might help. Google around if no one here can help you.

cactus – at 16:16
 I agree with West. Mt spoiled furbaby is very particular, as I found out when I bought a different brand of litter on sale.Not a good thing.

 Every time I think of KimT going off to work, I get the giggles. Wonder where Momma cat will have moved her family to, during kim`s absence?Hope she firmly shut up all her dresser drawers. LOL
diana – at 16:22

I would put my money on the kitty litter. All three cats? Isn’t there a animal behavior specialist on WOR. Is he called Warren Epstein? Thats the name that popped into my head. Google up WOR Radio. He has 20 years experience with animals.

diana – at 16:31

Its Warren Eckstein, 1 800 321–8828. You can goodle it up on WOR Radio 710 the Pet show- Warren Eckstein and E mail him.

dc – at 17:40

All the experts seem to recommend at least one litterbox per cat (and usually one plus). I have 2 babies, 2 boxes across the room from one another, cleaned every day.

Caesar and Sheba get a little bent out of shape if their play/ love time is lower than normal on any partcular day.

dc – at 17:55

oops forgot the GOOD news!

no more 90+ temp about 65 and rain on the way!

Captain1 – at 18:14

Thanks everyone - no change in litter here - it’s the same kind we have been using for years! West, I think you are right - they get mad when we go away. Just so happened that this weekend my hubby went one way and I went the other - they were NOT happy with that. I am not sure that all three are doing it - can’t “catch them in the act”. Or maybe one started it and the others got confused. I don’t know. Good thing we really love ‘em!!

KimTat 19:02

cactus – at 16:16

Every time I think of KimT going off to work, I get the giggles. Wonder where Momma cat will have moved her family to, during kim`s absence?Hope she firmly shut up all her dresser drawers. LOL

I peeked at the forum at work, and you made me smile. Luna and the babies were on my bed in the box like I left them. I was kinda hoping she would move them. I’m gonna have a hard time sleeping for the next 6–8 weeks. sigh

anon mc – at 21:51

KimT: Don’t want bad news on this thread! Just be glad that the kittens were born now and will be too young to give away at Halloween. Some people have strange ideas about black cats and Halloween can set them off. Best of Luck to your little ones and don’t let anyone tell you that black cats are hard to adopt out. Many people love them for their sleek beautiful black fur. Very elegant. What joyous news! Good for you and Luna!!!

KimTat 23:06

anon mc – at 21:51

Good News, she took the babies into my daughters room…YEA. Luna is a sleek black cat with a very gentle attitude. I’ve always had a black cat, my oldest is now 23, he has a lot of white in him now so no longer all black, I also have a beautifully marked long hair gray and white, and a long haired yellow and brown. They have all been rescues in one way or another, I am a sucker for a stray. My oldest kitty has seen so many critters come and go as I found them homes he doesn’t even pay attention anymore.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:38

Captain1 — a lot of times change in using the litter box is because when the cat urinates it’s painful & they associate the pain with the box itself — that’s why when they start to go elsewhere, they end up picking several different spots, because each time they move, the new place “hurts” too. One give-away is if you watch them pee somewhere then they dash off at full speed instead of doing the usual motions like covering something up, etc.

Go again to your vet or another vet, have a urinealysis (can’t spell that) done to see if it’s out of whack due to maybe a change in FOOD! If anything has changed like higher ash, or higher phosphrus in their diet, that might have set them all off.

Other than that, replace the box, especially if it’s plastic — it could have absorbed some strong urine odor that’s making it awfully unpleasant for everybody.

Good luck — been there, hate it!

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 23:41

KimT, wonderful about the kittens! They must be adorable.

My fur-daughter was 22 this past May when we finally had to put her to rest. Then 2 weeks ago we lost our 10 year old. Prior to that, my mother died at 88 and 6 days after she died my 16 year old fur-daughter died. I have 3 boys from the “old” family still, ranging from 12 years old to 8 years old, and a new younger cat, maybe 2 or 3 years old, that took up with us just before my Jenny died in May.

Good news is they’re all healthy & happy.

10 October 2006

diana – at 11:49

Beauty surrounds us. Another epic Indian Summer idyllic day. The golden delicious apple I bought yesterday has to be the best apple I ever ate. It bears no resemblence to the insipid flat goldens at the supermarket. Evidently this years crop is the most flavorful in years here in Jersey. So when I eat it my eyes close and I will remember the day, and all the monarch butterflies still floating around on the upper air currents. I picked some milkweed pods to release in my property for monarch fodder. ….Captain 1, I had a neighbor who started to travel with her husband, her Siamese sulked and forever after was very tempermental about litter boxes. Hope you don’t have a similar problem. Make sure the spots they do use are sprayed with whatever they use to discourage cats and dogs from using that spot again.

11 October 2006

BUMP – at 08:06
diana – at 10:56

The sky is a dismal grey, the garbage man came at 8 instead of 8;30 so not putting the trash out last nite was a big mistake. (I stepped on something in the dark and it made very strange and ominous noises so I tossed it in the trash, but since it was dark I didn’t know what it was.) Pallbearers were carrying a handsome coffin into the church, so I assume I missed the dream discussion group. The check wasn’t in the mail. Its going to be one of “Those days”… Not really awful, but I am going to be very alert. Last nite kids were playing chicken in front of cars in dark clothing. I don’t know if its a new game but I warned my neighbors to be alert. They might get a thrill from just being missed by an auto, but it could give a driver a heart attack. We need days like this every now and then, otherwise we are lotus eaters. I always say I am a restless spirit who loves change and challenge. Just not too much challenge.

12 October 2006

Malachi – at 08:23

The sun is coming out and it looks to be turning into a lovely day….I am going at 10:00 to meet a MI fluwikian who lives in my area.(The lovely lady who arranged for me to get peaches and grapes from her parents farm)I am really excited about meeting her and getting the scoop as to what is going on in her neck of the woods and her job as she works in a large grocery.

I am so happy for my 13 year old boy.He is a bit of a chub and has struggled to fit in at times.He joined orchestra a few years back and played the cello for 2 years.He learned to read music thru that program which ran 5–6th grade.When he was entering 7th grade he wanted to quit the cello and take up trumpet(ouch)which we allowed.He has enjoyed band and seems to have found his niche.Last Janruary my hubby bought him an electric guitar and amp for his b.day.Last weekend I let him go to my buddys house for the afternoon and when I went to pick him up it was like I walked in on an ozzy concert.That kid has become really really good on that ax.My buddy who was playing with him was saying things like”I have played my whole life and cant get some of the riffs that kid is playing”We have always enjoyed the hippie drum circles and music sessions but the kid has totally surpassed his dad and I by far.(I whack the drums and hubby strums the guitar and banjo)If he keeps this up we have a future rock star on our hands…..

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 08:36

Malachi – at 08:23 That kid has become really really good on that ax.

BOY! That’s some kid you’ve got! :-)

Malachi – at 08:45

He sure is!!!!He does use the traditional type of ax also.We bought a small maul that is perfect size for him and his brother and for a few weeks of the winter they will try to out split one another.//wish it was as long lasting as the music interest tho,that would sure lighten the load.

anonymous – at 09:23

My good news is my best friend went to the MD to schedule her appointment to get her tubes tied. She is 40; hubby is 54. Did a routine pregnancy test and she is PREGNANT!!! The good news??? It’s her and not ME! LOL

KimT: I cleaned out my storage building the other day (making room for preps)and found mice droppings. Well, eventually, I found the mouse family! Moved a box and four ADULT mice jumped out and ran. Country girl here so mice don’t scare me…I took the box outside to dump the shredded paper (and droppings) and also had 7 baby mice! Looked like little puppies! Cutest little critters you have ever seen if a mouse can be called cute.

All alone, no one to euthanize these mice and besides, can you really kill something that cute? I put them in a box and risked bubonic plague playing with them every once in a while, then the kids played with them and finally, I said, “I have to put them back in the building until someone else can do away with them.” So back in the building they went, still inside the plastic box.

The next day, I opened the building to continue working and thought about the mouselings, figured mommy would come back and feed them. Nope. Mommy came back and STOLE them back and now, all 11 rats are still living in my storage building!! No preps go there until it is thoroughly cleaned out, baited and sure we are rodent free!!!!! So much for those cute, sweet, little suckers! Had no idea moms would come back and move them like a cat would kittens! Who would have thought a rat would carry mice around in its itty bitty mouth??????

Great thread, Poppy!

Bless you all.

Closed and Continued - Bronco Bill – at 09:24

Closed for length and continued here

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